Oakley Fitzgerald

Mr. Oakley Homer Fitzgerald, 92, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, March 22nd. Affectionately known by his family as "Papa", Oakley was born August 22, 1923 to Saylor and Ethel Fitzgerald of Afton, Va. Following his graduation from Rockfish Valley High School in 1942, Oakley proudly served the next four years with the 1st and 3rd divisions of the United States Marine Corps in the Pacific Theatre during WWII, finishing his tour as rank of Gunnery Sergeant. After returning home from his military service, he signed on with the DuPont Company in Waynesboro, Va. and transferred to Martinsville, Va. in 1952, where he has resided ever since. Oakley retired from DuPont in 1985 following 40 years of distinguished service in various challenging and rewarding positions, including his last as Martinsville DuPont Plant Safety Supervisor. He proceeded to become an International Safety Consultant for an additional 15 years with DuPont and his privately created business "R U Safe".

Oakley married Jean Caracofe Fitzgerald, his bride of nearly 66 years, on May 13, 1950 in Arlington, VA taking up residence in Waynesboro, VA until moving to Martinsville. He was active in many local activities, but most fondly, the Martinsville youth and high school sports programs. He was Coach Fitzgerald to many youth over several years in baseball, from Little League thru Colt League, and basketball coach in the Martinsville Recreation Association League. He ultimately served as President of the local Martinsville – Henry County Recreation Association for a number of years. Among other leadership roles, he served as President of the Martinsville DuPont Retirees Association and was a faithful servant in church over the years as a youth and adult Sunday school teacher, elder, mentor and leader in various other church positions.

In addition to his parents, Oakley was preceded in death by daughter, Jody Fitzgerald Dalton Elliott and daughter, Julia Fitzgerald Lucord.

Surviving is his wife, Jean Caracofe Fitzgerald of Martinsville, VA and son, Jay Oakley Fitzgerald and wife Leslie of Richmond, VA, Grandchildren Adam Dalton of Huntington, WV, Susan Dalton of Knoxville, TN, Seth Fitzgerald and wife Anna of Lynchburg, VA, Bryce Fitzgerald and Zachary Fitzgerald, both of Richmond, VA.

Oakley's celebratory service will be held Friday, March 25th at Stone Memorial Christian Church in Collinsville, VA. The Family will receive friends from 12:00pm –1:30pm with memorial service immediately following. Interment will be at Roselawn Cemetery following the service. In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Stone Memorial Christian Church, 3030 Virginia Ave., Collinsville, VA 24078.